Mediterranean Chicken Gyros with Creamy Feta Tzatziki Recipe
Introduction
These Mediterranean Chicken Gyros with Creamy Feta Tzatziki bring vibrant flavors and tender, juicy chicken together in a delightful wrap. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual weekend meal, this recipe is both fresh and satisfying.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 pita breads
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, combine olive oil, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken thighs and coat well. Marinate for at least 30 minutes to infuse flavors.
- Step 2: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken thighs for 5-7 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Step 3: While the chicken is cooking, prepare the creamy feta tzatziki sauce. In a small bowl, mix together Greek yogurt, crumbled feta, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Step 4: Once cooked, slice the chicken into strips. Spread a generous amount of tzatziki on each pita bread, then layer with chicken strips, cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, and red onion.
- Step 5: Garnish with fresh parsley, roll the pita tightly, and serve immediately for a delicious, fresh meal.
Tips & Variations
- For extra tenderness, marinate the chicken overnight in the refrigerator.
- Swap chicken thighs for chicken breast if you prefer leaner meat, but be careful not to overcook.
- Add a splash of red wine vinegar or a pinch of smoked paprika to the marinade for a deeper flavor.
- Serve with a side of Greek salad or homemade fries to complete the meal.
Storage
Store leftover chicken and tzatziki sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken gently in a skillet or microwave before assembling gyros. Avoid reheating the pita bread to keep it soft and fresh.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare the marinade and tzatziki sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken and prepare the tzatziki sauce up to 24 hours in advance. This helps deepen the flavors and makes assembling the gyros quicker.
What can I use if I don’t have pita bread?
You can substitute pita with flatbreads, wraps, or even lettuce leaves for a lighter, low-carb option.
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Mediterranean Chicken Gyros with Creamy Feta Tzatziki Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Mediterranean Chicken Gyros recipe features juicy, marinated chicken thighs cooked to perfection in a skillet, wrapped in warm pita bread, and topped with a refreshing, creamy feta tzatziki sauce and fresh vegetables. It’s a delicious and easy-to-make meal inspired by traditional Greek flavors, perfect for a satisfying lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Gyro Assembly
- 4 pita breads
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
Creamy Feta Tzatziki Sauce
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine olive oil, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add the boneless, skinless chicken thighs and coat them evenly with the marinade. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Cook the Chicken: Preheat a skillet over medium-high heat. Place the marinated chicken thighs in the hot skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C), ensuring they are fully cooked.
- Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce: While the chicken cooks, mix together plain Greek yogurt, crumbled feta cheese, lemon juice, minced garlic, and season with salt and pepper in a bowl. Stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Slice the Chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken thighs from the skillet and let them rest briefly. Then, slice the chicken into thin strips suitable for wrapping in pita bread.
- Assemble the Gyros: Spread a generous amount of the creamy feta tzatziki sauce onto each pita bread. Add the sliced chicken strips, then top with halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, and thinly sliced red onion. Garnish with fresh parsley for added flavor and color.
- Serve: Roll up the pita breads to enclose the filling and serve the gyros immediately while warm and fresh.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken overnight in the refrigerator.
- You can use chicken breasts if preferred, but thighs remain juicier and more flavorful.
- Adjust garlic and lemon juice in tzatziki to taste for a milder or stronger flavor.
- Serve with a side of Greek salad or fries for a complete meal.
- To keep pita bread soft, warm them wrapped in foil before assembling.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keywords: Mediterranean chicken gyros, Greek chicken recipe, feta tzatziki sauce, pita sandwiches, healthy chicken wraps
